In Maine 15,000 seniors have saved nearly $30 million on prescription drugs thanks to ACA

On the 4th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act being signed into law, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said today the law has not only allowed millions of Americans access to health care, but it has also lowered prescription drug prices for seniors and people with disabilities.

"In Maine nearly 15,000 seniors and people with disabilities saved about $30 million in 2013 alone," Pingree said. "And about 200,000 seniors now have access to no-cost preventative services like annual checkups thanks to the law. Not only does that make it more affordable for individuals to take care of themselves, but it lowers healthcare costs overall by treating illness before they become more serious."

The Affordable Care Act makes Medicare prescription drug coverage more affordable by gradually closing the gap in coverage where beneficiaries had to pay the full cost of their prescriptions out of pocket, before catastrophic coverage for prescriptions took effect—the so-called “donut hole.” The law also made certain preventive services available free of charge, eliminating coinsurance and the Part B deductible for recommended preventive services, including many cancer screenings and other essential benefits.

So far over 5 million people have signed up for private healthinsurance plans through HealthCare.gov and over 3 million young people havebeen able to stay on their parents' plan because of the ACA.

Pingree reminded Mainers today that the March 31 deadline for signing up for coverage is fast approaching.

"The deadline is a week from tomorrow so if you don't already have coverage and need to sign up, now is the time to go online at HealthCare.gov and get yourself covered," Pingree said.

Individuals can also call 800-318-2596 or go to www.ACAFinancialHelp.com to calculate the financial help available to buy insurance.